TfL’s 30 Year Contract with First Group TOL (2)

Keith Prince: In fact a “Trams Update Note”, dated 25 May 2017 and released in response to Question 2019/17340, clearly shows that TfL did in fact consider terminating the TOL contract but decided it was not possible because (a) the Operating Agreement does not contain any rights to step in and take over operations in the event of a failure of service (or any other reason) (b) TfL would still be required to pay First Group fees less profit even if the Agreement were suspended owing to First Group’s breach; and (c) TfL’s rights to terminate for First Group’s default are limited and, in practice, will be difficult to enforce.

Will you amend your answer to Question 2019/0150 to what appears to be the truth: that you did consider ending First Group TOL’s contract but concluded that you were unable to do so?

The Mayor: I refer you to my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/4105. Of course it was right for possible legal avenues to be considered but I gave you my answer which was that there were no plans at the time to change the contractual arrangement in place.

Kensington High Street Shared Lane (2)

Tony Devenish: What is the impact for the ambulance, fire and emergency services now that there is a “temporary” shared lane of traffic on Kensington High Street?

The Mayor: The changes on Kensington High Street were led by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) with funding from Transport for London (TfL). I can confirm that RBKC engaged with the emergency services on the changes before they were introduced. TfL is also engaging regularly with emergency services to discuss and understand the impacts of the London Streetspace plan on their operations.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/4209.